Milton prioritizes school bus stops for debris removal ahead of reopening

The City of Milton is focusing storm debris removal efforts around school bus stops and campuses as Santa Rosa County schools prepare to reopen next week following Hurricane Isaias, according to a city news release issued Friday.

Crew began collection operations Tuesday, October 13, and are working daily through November to clear an estimated 400,000 cubic yards of storm debris plus another 35,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition material. Residents may notice debris trucks in neighborhoods collecting some piles while leaving others — the city says crews are prioritizing school-related access first and will return for additional collection as operations progress.

Parents and guardians should keep children closely supervised near bus stops and debris work zones. The city warns of active heavy equipment, utility crews, and recovery activities in neighborhoods. The debris processing site is located about three blocks from Rhodes Elementary School at Byrom and James Streets, where motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution.

Preliminary damage assessments show about 60% of Milton structures sustained some storm damage, with roughly 5% deemed uninhabitable. The city asked residents to remain patient as recovery continues.